One Request
Returning from the southern journey, I was immediately summoned by the Crown Prince.
Somehow, the imperial palace is starting to feel familiar, which is both sad and scary. This can't be good news.
"Hey, brother-in-law."
Oh my, the title has changed so quickly. Now even the marriage promise is done.
No matter what, it's fortunate that things worked out. I know from experience that it's quite a wound.
Receiving such a heart wound from the Crown Prince, and from our sister no less? No matter how good the Crown Prince is, it can't help but feel awkward.
"Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"I remember you saying that you didn't want to receive any more medals anymore."
"...That's right."
"Alright. Then, could you explain what exactly happened in this situation?"
In front of me were a few sheets of documents fluttering. And what was written in them was none other than the Bright Light Church.
It was very obvious why the Church's matter had been forwarded to the Crown Prince.
"I-I'm telling you, I really didn't imagine it, so will you believe me?"
"Of course I believe it. If I had imagined it, it would be even stranger. Brother-in-law. Honestly, I understand it well enough too. But... no matter what, this is, how should I put it. It's a matter that has gone far beyond the line."
"...It means I'll receive another medal. You don't have to explain in detail."
At that, the Crown Prince laughed heartily, saying 'Is that so? Then I won't say it back. You'll receive a medal for promoting the relationship between the Empire and the Church and recovering the lost sacred relic!'
"Why does Your Highness look the most joyful."
A bit annoyed, I muttered that, and the Crown Prince replied 'Isn't that obvious!'
Is he teasing? I waited for the next words, and soon realized the real reason.
"Our brother-in-law. Karl, the more you shine, the more smiles will bloom on the lips of the Princess. So, it's the best thing for me more than anyone else. It's a good thing, I tell you!"
"..."
I feel relieved that my sister has found the ultimate lover as a husband.
Yeah. Let's think positively. Even I think I can't avoid receiving this medal.
Just promoting the relationship between the Empire and the Church is enough to be praised, let alone recovering a sacred relic lost hundreds of years ago in this way.
Even so, if I just say 'good work' or 'thank you' with words, it wouldn't make sense.
To make sure the importance of the sacred relic and how bad the Luzens were who lost it is clear, I probably couldn't just let this matter slide quietly.
"This will be the best gift for the master."
"Why for my father...?"
"The newly appointed Count is the benefactor of the Church, right? Where could there be a better thing than this. Ah, Karl, you haven't heard it yet, have you? Two days ago, Cardinal Nicolaus of the 1st Parish visited Friedrich County. And he conveyed the Church's gratitude and blessings in the name of the Church, didn't he?"
"...T-that's a huge matter."
From what I know, the Cardinal personally coming to bless is at least when a new Duke appears or a new child is born to the imperial family.
Yet, without including either of those situations, the Cardinal appeared and gave blessings.
"Actually, it's only natural. The benefactor of the Church. The light of the Church. After returning the sacred relic to their care, if they show a calm demeanor, it would be staining the honor of the Church."
Hahaha! This is really fun! Hahaha! I want to see the Princess laugh soon! AHAHA!
The Crown Prince, laughing as if about to leave, sighed while looking at our brother-in-law.
*
After the meeting with the Crown Prince, the next place I went was none other than the 1st Parish of the Bright Light Church.
It was to meet Cardinal Nicolaus, who oversees all Church matters in the region.
As expected, I didn't go to meet him; the other side invited me.
Getting on the white carriage pulled by pure white horses, which the people themselves would take, and everything being white, it was on the verge of making my mind hazy.
'Ah... I want to go traveling again.... I didn't think I'd miss those four guys.'
It seems everyone is singing songs about traveling, traveling. As soon as I returned, what a ruckus.
Without knowing my inner thoughts, after descending at the headquarters of the 1st Parish of the Bright Light Church, the old man with a benevolent smile extended his hand.
"Welcome. Brother Karl Adelheit. It's truly a great honor to meet you like this."
This man is the head of the 1st Parish, Cardinal Nicolaus. The top figure among the Cardinals in the Empire.
In a way, it's like the highest rank in the military, even if ranks are equal, the one with the most seniority.
"I am also honored to meet you for the first time, Your Eminence."
"Heh heh. The one who should be honored is me. Under Brother's hand, the shadow is finally lifted, and as Brother's footsteps pass, light shines."
"..."
T-that's really too much praise, please tone it down a bit. I feel like I'll be embarrassed...
Of course, Cardinal Nicolaus wouldn't know my feelings. It seems the other side is just in high spirits.
Recovering the lost sacred relic, and it happens to be someone who recently received the Medal of Honor, and their deeds are similar to receiving 'divine blessing', so the talk goes around.
The Church would want to ride this wave, but I gave them the perfect justification.
An individual who found the sacred relic out of nowhere can definitely be said to have been touched by the gods.
'By the way, it's also giving a good hit to the Luzens who poked the Church's pride.'
As I said before, the Bright Light Church is never a place to be taken lightly.
Originally, a religious group can't maintain itself by just shouting pure faith. It has to be integrated into the social system and create its own order and rules there.
Otherwise, it will just be a fleeting breeze. Soon, it will be forgotten by everyone.
Yet, the order and rules, all the efforts so far, were mocked by the Gganf.
The anger the Bright Light Church felt, the humiliation and disgrace they received, even I think it must have been immense. Maybe the closer relationship with the Empire wasn't to kill the Gganf?
"Actually, I met Count Friedrich a few days ago."
"I heard it from His Highness the Crown Prince. He even personally gave blessings. I don't know what to say in gratitude. Your Eminence."
"It's not at all. The gratitude should be ours, the Church."
With those words, Cardinal Nicolaus started showing interest in my medal.
Even if I say it's not a big deal. Even if I explain it's just a military medal anyone can see anywhere.
The eyes of Cardinal Nicolaus now were quite similar to those of Cardinal Beolant of the 4th Parish a while ago.
So, the gaze trying to think of this medal as another sacred relic that found the sacred relic?
"Your Eminence. Really, he's not that kind of guy. It's just a military medal anyone can see anywhere."
"The Empire's hero's sword that recovered Saint Louis' sword. This is really too coincidental to be called coincidence. I heard that Cardinal Beolant of the 4th Parish gave blessings on this medal."
"Yes. Cardinal Beolant said he did it personally."
"I see. If the 4th Parish head personally gave blessings, it's definitely a big deal. But... hmm. Since the 4th Parish hasn't stabilized due to the war yet, there are some disappointing parts."
Ah. So, a lower-seniority guy gave blessings and there are disappointing parts, that's what it is.
As expected, judging in a military way makes everything very straightforward and clear.
"Although it's embarrassing to say it's for gratitude, I want to fill in the lacking parts in our 1st Parish. You, the holy one. Can you give me the opportunity to bless this sword wielded by the Empire's hero?"
"...Where is there any opportunity. I am just honored, and more honored."
If I can't give the blessing, it would be quite disappointing. With that expression, what am I supposed to do!
I quickly took out the medal and handed it to the attendant priest next to the Cardinal.
"With those words, I'm delighted. His Holiness the Pope will be happy too."
"His Holiness..."
"Already, the news has reached the Holy See. The lost sacred relic returning to our care is because the gods lent the hero's hand and guided by light, as he said."
With those words, Cardinal Nicolaus crossed himself with great devotion. The sight was so solemn that I unconsciously crossed myself too.
"Brother Karl. Anything is fine. If you have something you want from the Church, don't hesitate to say it."
"No, Your Eminence. I really didn't do it because I wanted something."
"I understand. I know. Of course not. But Brother. If you have bestowed grace, you must also know how to receive its value. That way, the one who received the grace can also escape from the guilt of just receiving it, right?"
No. If you say that, it makes me too troubled. Rather than value. Reward.
What are you saying. What are you asking for. It wasn't something I thought about, it just happened by chance, so no matter how I think, there's no good answer...
'Ah. Ah.'
Thinking about it, there's one thing.
"So, then Your Eminence. There's one thing I want to ask."
"Oh oh. Anything, anything, say it. What is it?"
"Actually... embarrassingly, there's one endowment foundation with my name on it—"